Travel and Outdoors

Downtown Chapel Hill from above at Dusk, cars on the street and a large church steeple visible.
Travel and Outdoors
Nostalgic fall vibes + historic adventures in Chapel Hill
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Travel and Outdoors
89 gopher frogs released
Learn more about the efforts to help the state-endangered gopher frog.
June 16, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A woman standing by her bike at Falls Park in Greenville, SC.
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Greenville: The ultimate outdoor destination
Greenville, SC is filled with fun, scenic outdoor activities for the whole family.
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dogs in columbia
Weather
Summer 2023 weather forecast for Columbia, SC
See what’s in store for Columbia weather over the summer months in the Midlands of South Carolina.
May 25, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
The jet engine of a plane on an airfield.
Travel and Outdoors
Plan your next trip with nonstop flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Pack your bags for a trip to one of these popular nonstop destinations. Plus, keep an eye out for new routes.
May 10, 2023
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Anne Weber
Two men standing in front of river and trees wearing life jackets
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Meet John Sherrer, Director of Preservation for Historic Columbia
Also an Experience Columbia SC Ambassador, John knows a lot about our city — past and present.
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Travel and Outdoors
Fresh air and scenic rides, biking in the Midlands
Pump up your tires and explore the Midlands of South Carolina and nature through these bike trails.
May 4, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
Black-eyed Susan
Travel and Outdoors
Become an expert on native flowers
Keep local love growing this fall with local plants.
April 18, 2023
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Dayten Rose
Brown entrance sign surrounded by trees reading "Mammoth Cave National Park" in white letters.
Travel and Outdoors
How to plan an event in a national park
From getting a permit to catering, we’ve got the details on how to plan a wedding, family reunion, or special occasion in a national park.
March 31, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
The night sky with visible bands of the Milky Way.
Travel and Outdoors
Celebrate International Dark Sky Week
Protect the night by taking some simple actions Saturday, April 15-Saturday, April 22
March 22, 2023
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Dayten Rose
A bucket of freshly picked strawberries from Bush-n-Vine, a u-pick farm in the Olde English District.
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3 u-pick farms to check out this spring 🍓
Fresh fruits make the spring season even sweeter.
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Latest News
More from COLAtoday
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City
Celebrate Bike + Preservation Month in Cola
Celebrate Columbia’s history and bike culture with events, tours, and rides throughout May.
April 30, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
The exterior of the Tapp's building in Columbia, SC as seen from the street.
Small Business
The historic Tapp’s building is being transformed
The Tapp’s building, a staple landmark in Columbia since the 1900s, will soon house retail shops and a 24/7 gym, set to open in July 2025.
April 29, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Events
Explore Moore Farms and Southern art at Lake City’s ArtFields
Visit Moore Farms during ArtFields to explore gardens and view 400 works of art, with $100,000 in prizes.
April 28, 2025
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David Stringer
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Culture
Pick up a new hobby (and put down your phone)
Ditch the doomscrolling for a more creative or relaxing hobby.
April 25, 2025
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David Stringer
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Nonprofits
USC Students revive the Ice Bucket Challenge for mental health
USC’s viral Ice Bucket Challenge revival has raised $320,000+ for mental health, with help from influencers and celebrities.
April 24, 2025
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David Stringer
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Events
Birdwatching in the Gardens: A spring migration
A spring morning of birdwatching in Columbia, where migrating warblers, local gardens, and unexpected bird facts stole the show.
April 24, 2025
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David Stringer
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Soda City Market is the best farmers market in the nation
No surprise here — Soda City Market was named the No. 1 Farmers Market in the nation by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
April 23, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
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Food
New steakhouse coming to downtown Lexington
Midlands restaurateurs Steve Cook, Joe Walker, and Ryan Jones are opening a modern steakhouse in Lexington in May 2025, featuring hand-cut steaks, seafood, and seasonal dishes.
April 23, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A group of people stand in front of two blue "COMET" buses during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. A woman in the center cuts the white ribbon while others smile and pose for the photo. The event celebrates the launch of COMET's new zero-emission bus fleet.
City
COMET unveils its first zero-emission buses
The transit system is building its zero-emissions fleet by adding buses with hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric technology.
April 22, 2025
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Michael Beausoleil
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Food
Plan a Soda City picnic
Plan the perfect picnic in Columbia by prepping your meal, packing your equipment, and picking a scenic local destination.
April 21, 2025
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David Stringer